Another Week Of Waiting And Worrying....

I had a shave biopsy on 1/4/07 and called today (hoping the results would be in a little early) and she stood firm in saying that it takes 2 weeks.  I find it very hard to believe that it really takes that long, but I digress.  I am literally going crazy with worry.  The nurse *thinks* my mole was benign, but as I have read, you really never can tell until the results come back.  I know it has been there for at least 4 years, so of course I am terrified that if it is melanoma, it will have spread everywhere by now.  Oh and now  I read that shave biopsies are heavily discouraged when melanoma was suspected, but they did a shave biopsy on me =(  I know she doesnt think its melanoma, but what if she is wrong, and now they wont be able to accurately stage it.  Any voice of reason would be soo greatly welcomed =)

I have generally found that it usually takes around 2 weeks to get results back from a biopsy, sometimes even longer.  I think a lot depends on if the biopsy was sent elsewhere (i.e. a hospital) or if the lab is backed up (at least this is what I've been told). But I completely understand your concern, I've been in your shoes many times before.  In terms of your doctor's choice of biopsy (i.e. shave), if you feel he/she should have done something differently or they are not meeting your standards for care, you may want to try to find another doctor or a second opinion.  Trusting your doctor and feeling as if you're getting the best care is very important.